The streetlights network primary function is to increase visibility on roads and are being installed according to surveys made by SLTA and the demand from the district’s communities.
The initial target following the disbursement of funds was to install a quota of 15 new streetlights per district which was surpassed by a large margin with most districts benefitting from the installation of in excess of 50 streetlights according to amassed data of approximately 1,500 streetlights installed in 2023.
The streetlight installation project is part of the responsibilities of the Traffic Unit within the Seychelles Land Transport Agency. The current installations are a mixture of both solar lights and AC lights according to the physical environment of the road. Generally, the solar lights take precedence, but in areas with thick foliage density which will not allow for sufficient solar energy to power them, AC lights are installed. The electricity bill for the AC lights and the cable network maintenance are negative factors, however, the preference for solar light installation stems from the country’s blue economic principles which advocates for investment in renewable energy.
However, the streetlight installation project has met with certain challenges that are proving to be a negative impact on the resources available. The primary issue has been the onset of a series of vandalism which has required re-installment of new lights after the original ones were either stolen or broken by thrown rocks.
Secondary is the social aspect to projects whereby there are areas where residents are required to cede a small portion of their property for the installation of poles for the streetlights which may not be met positively. Despite the large demand from the communities, following the distribution, there has been mixed reviews. There have been incidences where the residents have categorically refused the streetlight, citing the light beam as an emotional disturbance and requesting its immediate removal. In face of the challenges, the agency has had no option but to leave certain dark spots along certain roads until such time that these issues are resolved.
On Praslin, SLTA has been working in close collaboration with the district administrators for Baie Ste Anne and Grand Anse to identify priority locations for installations while carrying out surveys for black spots along the roads.
Members of the public are able to suggest locations through the district administrators as SLTA will liaise with the district and the focus is on installing the lights along the secondary and feeder roads.